Commencement Spotlights

Much of the class of 2024 began their college career remotely during the height of a global pandemic. But unprecedented times created adaptive, resilient, and tenacious students, who found ways to make the most out of their college experiences.

By studying abroad, founding student clubs and organizations, advancing to graduate school, and opening a new Esports lab, the class of 2024 has embodied UMass Dartmouth's mission to serve as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation.

PhD student Micheline Labrie on an SMAST research excursion
Micheline Labrie '21: Protecting the ocean

Micheline Labrie talks about her love for the ocean, protecting the ecosystem, & her rich academic experience as a PhD student and research assistant at the School for Marine Science & Technology.
SMAST PhD student Robert Wildermuth
Robert Wildermuth '21: Nurturing the ecosystem

PhD candidate Robert Wildermuth, talks about his interests in conservation, experiences as a student at UMassD's School for Marine Science & Technology, & his plans for the future.
Joshua Depina, Computer Science student at UMassD
Joshua Depina '21: Integrating service & learning

Joshua supplements his studies with military service, real-world experience, and community engagement to prepare for his future as a software engineer.
Spencer Berryman, marketing major at UMass Dartmouth
Spencer Berryman ’21: The art of communication

Faculty mentors, community service work, and a Dell EMC workshop help Spencer find the confidence to pursue a bright future.
Liberal arts major - Ana Da Paixao
Ana Da Paixao '20: Model United Nations

Ana honed her research skills through participation in Model United Nations events on campus and in New York City.
Chelsea Cabral outside the LARTS building
Chelsea Cabral '19: independent research in literature

Opportunities to present her research at national conferences
Nathalie Staiger
Nathalie Staiger '19: Marine conservation

Growing up in San Diego, Nathalie's frequent visits to the ocean inspired her to pursue a career in marine conservation.
Dionte Salvi, JD '19
Dionte Salvi, JD candidate '19: Student Bar Association President

As SBA president, Dionte was committed to providing the best experience possible for his classmates.
Sean Tocci standing in front of blooming tree
Sean Tocci ‘19: Using big data to help others

Data science major plans to teach middle school and create apps for struggling students
Kayla Venckauskas, fourth UMass Law Rappaport Fellow
Kayla Venckauskas, JD candidate '19: UMass Law Review Editor-in-Chief

An active member of the UMass Law community, Kayla was involved with law review, the Student Bar Association, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
Casey Shannon
Casey Shannon, JD candidate '19: UMass Law Commencement Speaker

Casey Shannon attended UMass Law part-time while working full-time at Bristol County Savings Bank.
Destiny Miles - Class of 2019 - College of Arts & Sciences
Destiny Miles '19: expanding her horizons

Will pursue her interest in cognitive & behavioral health through graduate study in experimental psychology